King James Version

What Does Mark 13:34 Mean?

Mark 13:34 in the King James Version says “For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to ever...” — study this verse from Mark chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.”

Mark 13:34 · KJV

Context

32

But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

33

Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.

34

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch.

35

Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning:

36

Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants—Jesus shifts to parabolic warning. The Greek anthrōpos apodēmos (ἄνθρωπος ἀπόδημος, 'a man abroad/away') represents Christ in his ascension (Acts 1:9-11). The phrase dous tois doulois autou tēn exousian (δοὺς τοῖς δούλοις αὐτοῦ τὴν ἐξουσίαν, 'giving to his servants the authority') indicates delegated responsibility during the master's absence—paralleling the Great Commission's authority (Matthew 28:18-20).

To every man his work (hekastō to ergon autou, ἑκάστῳ τὸ ἔργον αὐτοῦ) emphasizes individual accountability. The thyrōros (θυρωρός, doorkeeper/porter) has special responsibility to watch (grēgorē, γρηγορῇ). This parable assumes Christ's return is delayed (cf. Luke 12:45, 'My lord delays his coming') but certain, requiring faithful stewardship meanwhile. The household imagery recalls Ephesians 2:19, believers as God's household, each with assigned kingdom tasks.

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Historical & Cultural Context

First-century masters often traveled abroad for extended periods (trade, military service, administration), leaving trusted stewards to manage estates. Mismanagement meant severe punishment; faithful service brought reward. Jesus uses this social reality to teach about his ascension and return. Early Christians lived with imminent expectation (1 Thessalonians 4:17, 'we who are alive') balanced with patient perseverance when Christ 'delayed' (2 Peter 3:9).

Reflection Questions

  1. What specific 'work' has Christ assigned you during his absence, and are you faithful in it?
  2. How does knowing you'll give account to the returning Master affect your use of time, gifts, and resources?
  3. In what ways might you be tempted to act as if the Master isn't returning, and how can you guard against that?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 25 words
ὡς1 of 25

“For the Son of man is as”

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

ἄνθρωπος2 of 25

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἀπόδημος3 of 25

“taking a far journey”

G590

absent from one's own people, i.e., a foreign traveller

ἀφεὶς4 of 25

“who left”

G863

to send forth, in various applications (as follow)

τὴν5 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίαν6 of 25

“house”

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

αὐτοῦ7 of 25
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ8 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

δοὺς9 of 25

“gave”

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

τοῖς10 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δούλοις11 of 25

“servants”

G1401

a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency)

αὐτοῦ12 of 25
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν13 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐξουσίαν14 of 25

“authority”

G1849

privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o

καὶ15 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἑκάστῳ16 of 25

“to every man”

G1538

each or every

τὸ17 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἔργον18 of 25

“work”

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

αὐτοῦ19 of 25
G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

καὶ20 of 25

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τῷ21 of 25
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θυρωρῷ22 of 25

“the porter”

G2377

a gate- warden

ἐνετείλατο23 of 25

“commanded”

G1781

to enjoin

ἵνα24 of 25

“to”

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

γρηγορῇ25 of 25

“watch”

G1127

to keep awake, i.e., watch (literally or figuratively)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Mark. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Mark 13:34 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Mark 13:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 25:14-30John 10:3Luke 12:36-40Matthew 24:45-471 Corinthians 15:58Ezekiel 3:17-21

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